HARIBON
Philippine Eagle
Pithecophaga jefferyi
Common Name:
Monkey Eating Eagles, Great Philippine Eagle, Haring Ibon
Population Size:
250-600, est 392 left
Lifespan:
30-60 years
Status:
Critically Endangered (CR)
A Bit About Haring Ibon
The Philippine Eagle, discovered by British naturalist and explorer John Whitehead in 1896, is hailed as one of the rarest and most formidable birds in the country. This majestic creature, a symbol of strength and love for freedom, is endemic to the Philippines, with its presence limited to just four islands - Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. K However, their numbers have dwindled, with only around 392 pairs remaining in the wild.
Cause of Endangerment
Illegal Human Activities
Environmental Changes and Disasters
Habitat Destruction and Degradation
Human activities pose a significant threat to the survival of the Philippine Eagle. Among these, shooting and trapping are some of the major causes leading to the decline of this majestic bird. Despite their status as a national symbol and their critical role in the ecosystem, these eagles often fall victim to such harmful practices. The indiscriminate shooting of these birds, often out of fear or misunderstanding, and the illegal trapping for the pet trade, have drastically reduced their numbers. These activities not only result in immediate eagle deaths but also disrupt their breeding cycles and habitat stability, further exacerbating their endangered status. It’s a pressing reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
Environmental factors, including climate change and natural disasters, significantly contribute to the mortality of the Philippine Eagle. Climate change, with its associated shifts in weather patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events, poses a serious threat to the eagles’ habitat. Changes in temperature and rainfall can alter the distribution and abundance of prey, affecting the eagles’ food supply. Additionally, natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and landslides can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, further endangering these majestic birds. These environmental challenges, coupled with human-induced threats, have placed the Philippine Eagle on the brink of extinction, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive conservation strategies.
Habitat destruction and degradation, including contamination of food sources, are among the major causes of Philippine Eagle deaths. Rapid deforestation and land conversion for agriculture and development have led to significant loss and fragmentation of the eagle's natural habitat. This not only reduces the available nesting sites for these birds but also impacts their prey base, leading to food scarcity. Moreover, contamination of food sources due to pollution and use of pesticides can lead to poisoning and disease among these eagles. The combined effect of habitat loss and degradation poses a serious threat to the survival of the Philippine Eagle, highlighting the need for urgent conservation measures.
“They are the symbol of strength and love for freedom.”
Fun Facts No. 1
Importance of Haring Ibon
1 / National Bird
The Philippine Eagle is the National Bird of the Philippines because this rare and majestic species can only be found here in the Philippines. Thus, if these species were extinct, the world would also lose an invaluable heritage.
2 / Environment Health
The Philippine eagle’s existence plays an important role in indicating the healthy condition of the forest since it is their natural habitat.
3 / Ecosystem Equilibrium
To protect the environment, the Philippine Eagle, being the top of the food chain, plays an important role in maintaining the ecosystem's equilibrium. It assists in organically managing species populations and protects every other organism in its domain. A dense population of Philippine Eagles indicates a healthy forest
